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How to Make a Scarecrow Costume for The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz is a play that is produced by school and community theater groups. While much of the play is not overly complex to produce, outfitting some of the main characters with good-looking costumes can be a challenge. The Scarecrow is a good example of this, as he must be able to express himself well while looking like the straw-filled dummy that he is. With the right materials and enough time, though, anyone can create a good-looking and functional Scarecrow costume.

Things You'll Need

  • Muslin
  • Scissors
  • Tape measure
  • Rope
  • Marker
  • Spirit gum
  • Scrap fabric
  • Needle and thread
  • Raffia
  • Tacky craft glue
  • Wide-brimmed hat
  • Boots
  • Gloves
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Instructions

  1. Headpiece

    • 1

      Measure and cut a large circle of muslin. Make its diameter twice the measurement of the height of your head and neck (or that of the person who will wear the costume).

    • 2

      Wrap the muslin circle around your head and neck, covering them. Center the middle of the circle in the middle of the top of your head. Tie the rope loosely around your neck. Smooth out the fabric in the area around your face and throat and move the wrinkles in the fabric to the sides and back.

    • 3

      Draw an oval outlining your face on the outside of the muslin wrap using the marker. Remove the wrap. Cut out the face circle, trimming around the outside of the marker circle to remove it and leave no ink trace. Put the fabric circle and rope back in place, your face sticking through the oval hole.

    • 4

      Attach the edges of the fabric circle to the outside of your face using spirit gum; this will ensure that it looks like part of you and moves when you do.

    • 5

      Secure the edges of the cutout circle to your face with spirit gum.

    Clothing

    • 6

      Cut about 10 squares of scrap fabric from various, colorful sources in a variety of sizes, ranging from two to four inches square. Sew the squares of fabric onto the shirt and pants, spreading them out. Place them wherever you like, but make them visible.

    • 7

      Cut the raffia into many six-inch lengths. Lay these in a bundle.

    • 8

      Glue tufts of raffia along the inside of the wrist and ankle cuffs, under the brim of the hat, and to the bottom of the headpiece. Cover the entire flat length of the fabric in each place.

    • 9

      Tie rope lengths around the wrists, ankles and waist. Double knot the rope for security. Trim the excess rope.

    • 10

      Wear the boots, gloves and hat.  

Theater Costumes

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